testimony to be, it was far from being acceptable to the Apostles ; as we see by,
II. The conduct they observed respecting her —
1. For many days they waited, to see what God might do by her means: but at last they commiserated her state —
[St. Paul was " grieved " at her, as well he might be : for, whilst she was bearing this testimony from day to day, she sought not the way of salvation for her own soul, and obstructed, rather than promoted, the salvation of others.
And have not we similar cause for grief on account of mul- titudes around us ? Yes truly. There are many who espouse the cause of faithful ministers, and profess to believe the truths they preach, whilst yet they are altogether slaves of sin
and Satan Now such are greatly to be pitied, both on
account of the state of their own souls, and on account of the injury they do to the souls of others. As it respects them- selves, their knowledge only aggravates their guilt c; and their casting a stumbling-block before others involves them in a heavier condemnation d ]
2. They exerted themselves for her relief — [Being endued with the power of working miracles, they
commanded the evil spirit to come out of her: and that com- mand, issued as it was in the name of Jesus Christ, instantly liberated her from her sore bondage.
To effect similar wonders is not in our power : but yet we are authorized to declare to men how they may obtain a similar deliverance. A believing application to Jesus will bring Omni- potence to their aid: and "the strong man armed" can no longer retain possession of their souls, when " the stronger than he," even the Lord Jesus Christ, comes forth to eject him. Are there any then amongst you who know the truths of the Gospel without experiencing their sanctifying and saving effi- cacy ? Cry mightily to the Lord ; and he will work effectually in your behalf: yea, he will make use of the words which ye now hear, to " turn you from darkness unto light, and from
the power of Satan unto God" ]
Now this subject opens the way to some important